Object of Karat-WPS Office
Object of Karat-WPS Office
The object of Karate is to defeat your opponent by utilising punches, kicks and throws to score points. At
the end of a Karate kumite, the competitor with the most points is declared the winner (or before the
end if they reach and eight point lead over their opponent). As well as being a combative physical
activity, Karate is highly skilled and tactical, and all competitors are required to have a high level of skill,
experience, speed and dexterity to be successful in Karate competition.
Competitors are placed into categories according to their weight and maybe their age in the case of
junior competitions. All competitors in Karate kumite competitions are required to wear a traditional
Karate suit known as a gi and this should be plain and without stripes or embroidery. Instead of wearing
the belt colour that signifies their rank, one contestant wears a red belt and the other a blue belt to help
distinguish them. Other prescribed pieces of equipment are:
A gum shield
Shin pads
Foot protectors
Scoring
Scoring in Karate competitions is relatively simple. Scoring is limited to the following areas of the
opponent's body:
Head
Face
Neck
Chest
Abdomen
Side
Back
A score is awarded when one fighter performs a technique that conforms to the following criteria and
the blow lands on a relevant scoring area of their opponent’s body:
Good form
Vigorous application
Good timing
Accurate distance
Awareness
Sporting attitude
Fighters can score one, two or three points for attacking techniques:
If the amount of points are equal at the end, then the referee and the three judges consult and decide a
winner between them.
Karate Kumite matches take place on a matted square of 8m x 8m with an additional 1m on all sides that
is called the safety area.
Once the referee and judges have taken their places, competitors should exchange bows.
Both fighters should attempt scoring techniques (punches, kicks and throws) on their opponent. These
are classified as Yuko, Waza-ari and Ippon and are one, two and three points respectively.
If the referee deems a scoring technique may have been used, the referee shouts YAME and the
contestants, judges and referee all resume their original positions.
The judges will then indicate their opinion by means of a signal and if a score is to be awarded, the
referee identifies the contents and the area that they attacked and then awards them the relevant
socire (Yuko, Waza-ari or Ippon) and then restarts the bout by shouting “TSUZUKETE HAJIME!”
If one competitor establishes a clear lead of eight points during a match, then the referee calls a halt to
the bout and declares them the winner.
If no competitor establishes a clear lead of eight points during the fight, then the fighter who has the
most points is declared the winner.
In the event of the points being level, the referee and the judges will decide who is the winner of the
bout.
Fights can end earlier if one competitor is knocked down and is not in a position to carry on or if one
fighter is disqualified.